Posts categorized as Wood Information
Our Favorite Wood Stains at VTW
Applying Finish Here, dark walnut Minwax stain is being applied to the chamfered edge on the timbers using a foam brush. Each beam has stain applied to all four sides and in all the pockets and joints. There are many important choices to make when considering the details of […]
Weathered Beams
Today we’ll take a more in-depth look at weathered beams, the process, the look, and some examples. Weathering is an option you can choose for your timber that gives it an aged, antique look. The weathered beams generally look much older than they actually are and they give a space […]
What Wood Species Should I Build With?
When you start to plan your Timber Frame project, one of the biggest questions you’ll have to answer is what species of wood you want to use for your frame. The wood species you choose will affect the price of your frame, the dimensions of the wood members, and other […]
Rot in Heavy Timber Columns
This heavy timber column looks terrific after 20 years of use, but there is a serious design problem with the stone surround. The column base is actually a stone veneer built on plywood and sealed at the top. Water was able to seep into the buildup, even after […]
Checking in Curved Braces
Often our clients like the look of arched braces, and we like them too. Adding curves can add elegance and a certain “je ne sais quoi” to a timber frame. They certainly look beautiful when they are done right. However, if the curve is cut too deep, checking can occur along […]
Knots In A Timber Frame
Knots in a timber frame – yes or no? What do you think of the natural knots that embellish this frame? Do you think they enhance the look of the timber, or would you cover them up if you could? Often here, at VTW, we get requests for “paint grade […]
Heavy Timber
In the building industry, the word timber alone can mean wood used for dimensional 2″ x 4″ framing. In our industry, timber means “heavy timber” and heavy timbers are wood beams that are larger than 3″. Although, we don’t typically see beams smaller than a 6x. Did you know that […]
Douglas fir–a versatile species
Here at Vermont Timber Works we pride ourselves in being able to use any species of wood that is commercially available. Douglas fir is one of the species we use, and is a great species for timber framing. Douglas fir is available in several different finishes: rough sawn, S4S (surfaced […]
